KENYA 2012

Budget... What does that mean?

So... Last night at my Women's Bible Study the topic of Budgets came up and I was very inquisitive about coupons (for all you CVS/Walgreens bargain shoppers) and how we can reasonably find ways to eat out and I was almost shocked to hear my friends budgets on spending and how that has allowed their families opportunities for savings. It's not that we don't try to cut back on things or that we are out spending money everyday with no limit... (believe me... The limit comes quickly)... But we are certainly not "telling our money where to go" like our "friend" Dave Ramsey tells us to. I have him on podcast through two different apps... Looks like I need to listen more. We have also taken wonderful classes like Crown Ministries. But I love what Kristen M. said last night... That all of it is His and we are being stewards of what He has given us. God is definitely working on our hearts and we are open to this season of change! Brent and I are most certainly "self made" and have both worked hard from an early age on... But our "can't take it when you go" is not exactly getting college tuition paid for our kids...and that fear of the baby boomers taking our social security is daunting...so the bottom line is... It's time to cut back and save...

Here is my first money purchase in a long time... Envelope system here we come;)

This family (below) we met with in Ecuador pays about $35 total a month for living. That is one meal for a family of 4 at Cotton Patch.
Praying for a major heart change... Tell me your ideas on budgets, coupons and saving;)
And thanks Jenny C. for already sending me budget ideas... I will definitely take you sweet ladies up on your next couponing shopping adventure;)

The Owner of this... Is the Owner of all things!

We were privileged to hear a message from the President of Compassion for Ecuador, Fernando, who has a history of high ranked office for the Country of Ecuador. Fernando and his lovely wife Liseth (our guide) are wonderful leaders for over 50 staff for CI. They manage over 55,000 Child Sponsor relationships for Ecuador;) With such a large magnitude of children in need they have sectioned off different programs to offer. Our group is apart of the Child Survival Program for mothers and children ages 0-3 yrs old. Many of these children have siblings in the Sponsorship Program for Children. As of today.... there are over 104,000 children all over the world waiting to be sponsored and desperate for a good meal and love. Fernando was very heartfelt in his talk with us and said... at the end of the day, it is love, support and prayer that these people and children need... even more than any monetary value because "The Owner of this... Is the Owner of all Things" and He can make miracles happen and does everyday. Fernando and his wife Liceth, were such gracious hosts and had such humbling servants hearts. Liceth was just a JOY to be around and I hope one day I have the opportunity to host them at my home in Texas! Here is the link for the group blog.... http://www.Compassion.com/joyfulmom

Here below is a picture of a little girl who wanted me to be her "Madrina" or Godmother. She even said she wished I was her mom. She just turned 10 last Sunday and does not qualify for the program after age 9. Her little brother is apart of the Sponsorship program and she sneaks in to share a meal with him everytime she can. This truly broke my heart! She was clinging to me the whole first day... and I was an absolute tissued mess before the end of the day. Considering I was with so many women I had just met, I bet they thought I was not going to make it the rest of the trip. I finally pulled it together by day 2. But make no mistake... the tears never left!



Here is a picture of Nicolas... A sweet little FIESTY boy who was so much fun to be around! He called me and one of the translators Gringo.

I had the opportunity to spend time with his mom and his sister and dad. They invited a group of us into their home. One of the supplies they requested before we came was for candy molds for chocolates. When I was at Hobby Lobby picking these up, never would I have imagined that I would be helping this sweet Mom make chocolates to sell for $.15 cents each.

Here are some photos of us hanging out and making chocolates at this sweet woman's home. I am attaching a link to my friend Stephanie's blog for this particular day as well. She gives a clear description of what is was really like... CULTURE SHOCK! http://www.afunfitmom.com/2012/04/18/poverty/

Before we left, we asked to pray with them... Here is a video of that on the Youtube link. And pictures of their view from the front of their home, their bathroom outside, (no shower), their daughter with her little kitty cat, plastic bottles the mom cleans out of trashcans everyday around town... to use for recycle 

money. Their Rent is $35 a month... with about $10 in Water/Electric.  The father is paying child support to his ex-wife and they have no money to

help feed their own family. It feels like a hopeless situation.

BUT GOD IS THE HEALER OF ALL THINGS!  

http://youtu.be/UFM2_a4heHQ

We Made It

Well... We made it safely and we were greeted by such wonderful hosts... We were told to not drink the water, eat any raw vegetables, fruits outside of where we stay, etc... We will be meeting the staff at Ecuador's Compassion Country Office tomorrow. The staff said we will be witnessing things we may never have in our lives over the next few days and cultural shock will set it quick. Thank you so much everyone for your love and prayers... It has been so much appreciated;) I got to Skype with my husband tonight... It's amazing how much technology has changed. Grateful to share this experience... But giving this time for Gods work. I will resist the temptation to dial
Into the world as much as I can... And just love on these children and young mothers. Thank you Jesus for all you do in my life daily... I can't believe I am really here!

Ecuador... Mission Trip... Ready..Set.. GO!

So, here it is... My first post for my very first Mission Trip. I am going through Compassion International to Quito, Ecuador in 12 hrs with 28 women... 27 of which I have never met. WOW! How did we get here? Well... God's grace abounds! A friend of mine... Amber Gray invited me last fall to join her with a group of great moms to Ecuador for Spring 2012.., well, in the midst of God's timing... Amber is now having her precious 3rd baby and I will be braving this with new faces and hopefully future friends;) My friend Christa Mason is also going on the trip and we are roommates! So... Here are a few pics of the process... God is Good!

July 4th 2006- California

Just a few pics of our July 4th Trip to conquer California!


State Street in Santa Barbara~
One of the most beautiful towns in Cali.
Unfortunately only a quick stop up Legendary Highway 1.


Of course no trip to Coastal California would be complete
without golfing at Pebble Beach in Monterey/Carmel.
We saved $550 dollars vs green fees and just bought me a $20 hat.

Who needs a tourguide through Sonoma and Napa Valley?
Not us. Robert Mondavi Winery to the left was a little stuffy, yet beautiful.
Sonoma Valley was our style. Drive ourselves into the vineyard,
cheaper wine, unlimited tastings, and life was grand!!!

And Yes, after conquering Southern Cali and the wine valley,
Us old timers even do party it up a little at night. Bella Mia!!

Christmas 2005

Christmas 05 was definately
the best of our lives thus far.
Great time with all the families, and even a last minute ski trip to Brent's old hometown, Avon/Vail Colorado. Best snow and sking ever and a great close to the year of the newleyweds!

April 30th 2005 "THE DAY"-
What a great Wedding/Reception/Party/Everything!

Honeymoon Jeepin in St. Lucia 

Viva la Margaritta 

The New Hurts

"Hurt so good"

Bring it on life...we have arrived!

What an amazing year 2005 has been.

From planning the wedding, which turned out entirely better than we could have ever planned, to an awesome honeymoon, other trips and seeing eight other friends get married, God definately kept us busy and blessed our first year. Love and Props to all our friends and family along the way!